What is a Print-Ready File

Currently a Print-Ready file is a file that has all the specifications necessary to produce high-resolution printed output, without requiring any additional alteration or intervention. In other words, a commercial printer, like Keiger, can use the file “as submitted” to successfully create the desired print materials.

Common factors that prevent a layout file from being Print-Ready include:

The type of file you submit is also an important factor in determining whether a commercial printer can successfully print your layout. For example, high-resolution Adobe PDF files are universally accepted (and preferred) by commercial printers. Layout files created with other Adobe products — such as InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop — also have widespread acceptance. Common accepted file extensions: .ai, .eps, .indd, .jpg, .jpeg, .pdf, .psd, and .tif.

Conversely, files created with Microsoft programs — such as Word, Publisher, or PowerPoint — often require some intervention and conversion to make them Print-Ready. The same holds true for many other popular software programs, especially “non-professional” versions of desktop publishing packages. The file may output to your desktop printer just fine, but these types of software are rarely well-suited for output on a commercial printing press.

Conclusion and Helpful Tips:

Print-Ready files can be given to a commercial printer, like Keiger, and we can immediately print the file. If you are perplexed or in doubt whether it's Print-Ready or an acceptable file type, check with us beforehand. Just because a file type isn't Print-Ready doesn't mean it's unacceptable. It only means that additional work “may” need to be done to the file to make it work in a commercial printing environment.

Keiger Graphic Communications has been in the printing industry for 75 years. If you need a commercial printer to professionally print your job, Print-Ready or not, feel free to contact us or submit your files via our eCommerce Site. Either way, we hope you found this information helpful and if you have questions, let us know.